India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has once again etched her name in cricketing history. On Monday, she was crowned ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, a testament to her sheer dominance with the bat. The left-handed batter not only led the run charts but also outshone some of the biggest names in women’s cricket.
A Year to Remember
Mandhana’s 2024 numbers were nothing short of spectacular. She amassed 747 runs in just 13 innings, setting a new personal benchmark in One Day Internationals. This tally made her the leading run-scorer in Women’s ODIs for the year, leaving her closest competitors—South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt (697), England’s Tammy Beaumont (554), and West Indies’ Hayley Matthews (469)—trailing.
The Indian vice-captain’s performances were not just about volume but also about impact. Her runs came at an outstanding average of 57.86, while she maintained a strike rate of 95.15, an indicator of her ability to dominate bowling attacks without slowing down.
Four Centuries, A Record-Breaking Feat
Mandhana’s ability to convert starts into big scores was the key highlight of her 2024 season. She smashed four centuries in ODIs, a record in women’s cricket, underscoring her consistency at the highest level. Her boundary-hitting ability was another factor that set her apart.
- She struck 95 fours and six sixes in the year.
- Her aggressive yet elegant stroke play ensured she was a constant threat to bowlers.
Some of her best performances came in high-pressure situations, particularly during India’s ODI series against South Africa in June, where she hammered back-to-back centuries to seal a 3-0 series win.
Leaving Rivals Behind
To appreciate the scale of Mandhana’s achievements, a quick look at the leading run-scorers in Women’s ODIs in 2024 provides perspective:
| Player | Runs | Matches | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 747 | 13 | 57.86 | 95.15 | 4 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | 697 | 14 | 53.61 | 89.25 | 2 |
| Tammy Beaumont | 554 | 12 | 46.16 | 82.34 | 2 |
| Hayley Matthews | 469 | 11 | 42.63 | 88.42 | 1 |
While Wolvaardt and Beaumont had impressive campaigns, Mandhana’s ability to score runs at a faster rate and convert starts into centuries gave her a clear edge.
A Growing Legacy
At just 28, Mandhana has already secured her place among modern greats. This is not her first time winning a major ICC award—she was also named the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2018 and 2022. Her latest accolade only adds to an already illustrious career.
One of the most marketable faces in women’s cricket, Mandhana’s influence extends beyond the field. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation of cricketers or being a key figure in India’s ODI setup, her role continues to grow.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon and India aiming for silverware, all eyes will be on Mandhana to continue her breathtaking form in the coming months.
